That Sinking Feeling

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If there is one thing that I've learned, while working on our house it is that no plumbing project is ever completed on the first try.  There are always Issues.

When we wanted to center the sink in its alcove, we discovered that there was no actual wood to screw into.  The sink weighs a ton, and we couldn't just screw it into antique plaster and pretend that was going to work.  Several people suggested that we rip apart the bathroom wall and install more studs.  This seems really soul-crushing, and it seemed to me that if we could alter our hanging hardware, we could get the job done without tearing apart our walls.

I had a long talk with one of my co-workers, who thought that fabricating a custom hanging plate was a crazy idea, and suggested that I check out the local plumbing supply place.

So I had a long chat with the super-nice guys at the local plumbing supply place, who showed me every hanging plate they had in stock, listened to my tale of woe, and suggested that I get someone to fabricate a custom hanging plate.

Finally, I had a short chat with a different co-worker, who made me a hanging plate on his lunch hour.  I gave him a jar of freshly harvested honey as a down payment, and owe him a twelve-pack of beer.




I like this solution.  We extended the plate, allowing us to screw into the viable part of the bathroom wall.  No more off-kilter sink!

Robb has his own tale of woe, regarding decades-old plumbing fixtures.

Mid-Century plumbing does not come apart easily, and Twenty-First Century plumbing is made of the cheapest materials imaginable. We've managed to destroy some of both, in the last few days.  Luckily our local hardware stores employ nerdy young guys who are obsessed with vintage plumbing. 

I also realized that I should finish painting the plaster tiles in the bathroom, before we install the sink permanently. It will be a lot easier to paint everything if I'm not working around the sink.

Please don't ask when we're going to install the matching toilet.  And please, please, please don't ask about when I'm going to install the tile floor.  All that will happen No Time Soon.

Comments

Debbie said…
I love the color of that sink. I'm glad you were able to find it.
Noreen said…
Your sink is seriously beautiful! Great job figuring it all out!
K said…
I love how you just make things work. Inspiring.

I came across an article about Nepali honey hunters that was fascinating. I thought you'd enjoy it:

http://themindunleashed.org/2014/03/stunning-photos-show-ancient-tradition-honey-hunting-nepal.html
K said…
P.S. I love the color!
Unknown said…
Old plumbing can be a bit of a pain in the ass. Often times I just let one of my friends help me out if this is the case. Nice sink though, I can definitely see the subtle blends between the blue colour and the walls. Don't let that crappy plumbing job get you down.

Lovella Cushman @ Perfection Plumbing
Unknown said…
Plumbing can be a bit confusing. But with a little help from colleagues, the process can be less hectic. Good job, though. You are an inspiration to many. How you have your way with things speaks it all. The sink is lovely; the colour blends well with the colour of the walls.

Levi Eslinger @ Capital Plumbing

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